On January 27, 2006, the first prototype of what was to become yet another new Bimota model since the resurrection of the brand, left the manufacturing facility in Rimini, Italy, for the first test ride. In the seat was Engineer Alberto Strada. Already waiting for his return, helmet in hand, was designer Sergio Robbiano, anxiously looking forward to the first ride on the personification of his imagination.

For the second time in the young history of the new Bimota company, Sergio Robbiano had been the creative head behind a project combining pure esthetics of the motorcycle with the highest standards of functionality: The Bimota DB6 Delirio, a naked bike that parallels the full-faired supersport DB5.

After the initial presentation of the DB6 Delirio at the Motorshow in Milano, Italy, in November 2005, the reactions of visitors and special-interest media alike destined the concept for production, ideally in the shortest time possible. Today the DB6 Delirio presents itself as thoroughbred Bimota: The result of intensive technical research, engineered to the highest quality standards, composed to capture emotion by both its static appearance as well as its dynamic experience.

The DB6 Delirio is based upon the DB5’s frame and swing-arm, utilizing the same power-plant – the only technical elements these two motorcycles share.

Components of the DB6 Delirio remain top of the line, manufactured to the Bimota ideology of perfection and style. The aluminum plates located at the lower end of the main frame and the back end of the swing-arm have been re-designed to appear even lighter and convey an even slimmer line of the motorcycle. Further enhancing the appearance and performance of the DB6 Delirio are the exclusive steering plates, solidly embracing the 50mm Marzocchi forks. Completing the rolling chassis of the DB6 is the powerful Brembo radial braking system with its uniquely shaped rotors.

The DB6 Delirio’s frontal view, the face of the motorcycle, is defined by its exclusive headlight assembly, integrating the turn signals and the dashboard which is dominated by a distinctive rev-counter.

The handlebars, like the complete seating position, put the rider in full control over the DB6 Delirio at any time, providing an outstanding experience and the sensation of dominating the road.

The tank has been designed to be narrow at knee-hight, widening just above the rider’s legs. While adding to the unique line of the DB6 Delirio, this design provides a perfect combination of tank-volume and rider-control.

Just like on its counterpart, the DB5, the DB6 Delirio’s rider footrests can be adjusted in three positions. Also the upper control levers, brake and clutch, can be adjusted to each riders specific needs and comfort.

With a seat hight of 800mm and a weight of just 170kg, the DB6 Delirio is a motorcycle fitting shorter riders comfortably while providing enough space and leverage for taller riders, without any compromise to control and handling for any size rider.

All elements of the DB6 Delirio are characterized by two main aspects: They compliment the motorcycle’s exclusive and unique design line, while providing their respectively desired functionality. The passengers aluminum footrests and their supports reflect the trellis concept of the DB6 Delirio’s framework. In combination with the well padded seat, the passenger will experience a far more comfortable position than on most naked bikes on the market today. Also the rider has a more comfortable position, leaning only slightly forward over the tank.

The triangle shaped mufflers, complying with EU emission limit according to EURO3, are placed under the seat, following the motorcycles slim silhouette. Specially designed air intakes provide cooling to the muffler itself and prevent warming of the passenger seat.

Negative acceleration on both wheels is provided by powerful Brembo calipers embracing the distinctively shaped rotors.

The DB6 Delirio’s performance, powerful engine, light weight, and exclusive components, assembled to the highest standards, elevate this Bimota motorcycle above the known world of naked-bikes. Like every Bimota, the DB6 Delirio’s dynamic characteristics are in perfect harmony with its static appearance: beyond average.

Oh, and one more thing: On that rather cold day in January we mentioned earlier, everything went very well with Eng. Strada’s first test ride of the DB6 Delirio prototype. Still, Sergio Robbiano had to wait a long time with the helmet in his hands before he came back …

Design, Uniting Esthetics And Necessity

The Bimota Delirio project had been born even before its supersport counterpart, the DB5, was completed. The esthetics and function-driven design of the DB5’s bare chassis did not only suggest but demanded the creation of a naked bike.

The process of designing the DB6 was bound to go far beyond just re-designing the DB5. Having identified the trellis frame, swing arm, and fork as the basis of the new motorcycle, we started all over again.

The finished design had to be distinctively different, setting the DB6 uniquely apart from all naked bikes on the market. A Bimota has always been immediately recognizable, today following the path set by Sergio Robbiano, proven by the success of the DB5, defined by low weight, esthetic proportions, and outstanding performance.

The challenge creating a naked bike is the balance between engineering necessity and design esthetics. The DB6 displays in a unique way the care that went into hiding essential functional auxiliary parts from plain view, directing attention to the most prestigious elements of the motorcycle. This process requires a radical approach positioning all functional parts, leaving no room for compromise.

Front-end, trellis frame, new bored out and lightened plates of the swing arm, as well as the passengerÃ¢¤™s foot-rest supports are the most refined and exclusive parts of the new DB6.

The exhaust system of the DB6 has been completely redesigned and fitted with special silencers positioned under the seat. Tank and tank cover with fully machined lock-nut contribute to the overall aggressiveness of the DB6. Battery and fuse box are hidden by the side covers, making maintenance extremely simple. The front view of the DB6 gives the motorcycle the personality of a predator through its low positioned front light with integrated indicators.

Seating position and the ergonomics of footrests and handlebars provide the rider with the feeling of domination and absolute control. Riding the DB6 yourself, you will experience that the design of each single element is the expression of the pleasure to ride.

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